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One of the world’s greatest orchestras, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra makes a welcome appearance in Exeter. In 2008 the CBSO realised its potential under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle and since then has risen to the ranks of international prominence with Michael Seal as Associate Conductor. BBC New Generation artist, Pavel Kolesnikov was a winner at 2011’s Tchaikovsky Piano Competition and also the Gilels competition. He has performed with many prestigious orchestras and his appearance with the CBSO alone is testament to his gifts.

One of the most famous operas ever written was Mozart’s 'Marriage of Figaro’. Its first performance was an instant success and from that day onwards it has never lost its popularity. It couldn’t be a better introduction to Beethoven’s fourth piano concerto, which received its first, and private, performance with the composer as soloist. Sad to say, the public performance that followed was to be the composer’s last appearance in public before deafness took over his life. Not only was this concerto played in the concert, but also the Choral Fantasy together with the firth and sixth symphonies. A lengthy programme to say the least!

As for Brahm's first symphony, it is a mighty work, rich in texture and worthy of the famous quote in the final movemetn - 'Thus blew away the shepherd's horn today'.